I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.

Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

Preventative Dental Care For Children

17 March 2018

Alfred Kelley

Preventative dental care is something that you should strive for at any point in life. Preventative dental care services can help you avoid or minimize the effects of enamel loss, periodontal disease, gingivitis, and cavities. Failure to take care of your teeth can lead to the need for painful and expensive dental work, and may even lead to tooth loss. Preventative dental care is especially important for children, since developing good habits early will pay off over a lifetime. Here are a few things that you should know when it comes to preventative dentistry and children.

Regular Checkups Are Needed

The first thing that you should be aware of when it comes to dental care and your children is that regular dental checkups are an essential part of preventative dentistry. Around 42 percent of children aged 2 to 11 have cavities. Regular checkups and cleanings can help prevent cavities and ensure that your child is developing healthy dental habits. It's recommended that a child have their first visit to the dentist by age 1. After that first visit, dental checkups are recommended every six months.

Sealants Can Help

Even with regular brushing, flossing, and cleanings, cavities can still occur. One way to protect your child's teeth from decay is by having a dental sealant added to their teeth. Sealants are a great option for children who are starting to get their permanent teeth. Most dentists apply sealants made of acrylic resin that is then hardened with a light. Dental sealants can reduce cavities by up to 60 percent for four years or more. The cost of dental sealants ranges from $30 to $40 per tooth, and are most often applied to the molars and premolars.

Fluoride Treatments

Another form of preventative dentistry that may be helpful for your child is fluoride treatments. These treatments come in the form of gel, foam, or varnish, and are applied directly to the teeth. They are safe and effective and can help prevent decay or stop it in its tracks. At the dentist's office, fluoride treatments range in cost between $20 and $50 on average. Fluoride treatments can be done 2 to 4 times per year, and are a great option in areas where there is little to no fluoride in the drinking water.

Preventative dentistry during childhood is essential for the development of healthy habits and healthy adult teeth. Regular checkups are a necessity and should begin before a child's first birthday. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are also great preventative measures that can be taken to prevent decay.